Dozens of Vehicles Torched in Land Conflict in Tebingtinggi, North Sumatra

Dozens of motorcycles and trucks were set on fire due to a land conflict between local residents and PT Bridgestone in Blocks K8 and K9, Nagur Pane Village, Sipispis District, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra.

The Head of Public Relations for the Tebing Tinggi Police, Iptu Mulyono, stated that the Tebing Tinggi Police implemented security measures regarding the land clearing activities conducted by PT Bridgestor in Blocks K8 and K9, Nagur Pane Village, on Thursday (25/6).

“The security operation involved hundreds of personnel from the Tebing Tinggi Police and the Yon B Sat Brimob North Sumatra Regional Police,” he said on Friday (26/6).

The land clearing carried out by PT Bridgestone met with resistance from a community group claiming descent from Raja Nagur Bolag Nagur Raja. Following the resistance from the community group, the company and security officers chose to withdraw from the location to avoid casualties.

“Subsequently, there was destruction and the burning of several vehicles belonging to the company and its employees, including one truck and dozens of motorcycles,” he added.

Furthermore, one employee was reported to have sustained injuries as a result of the clash at the site. Previously, the Tebing Tinggi Police had urged the company to exercise restraint and avoid unilateral land clearing to prevent physical clashes or loss of life.

“However, the land clearing activities were still carried out by the company. Currently, police personnel are continuing to monitor and undertake consolidation efforts to ensure that public security and order remain conducive,” he explained.